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"Meetings typically commenced in the bar area of the Lion Hotel at around 8pm, with Mr Ashley drinking at the bar while in discussions with various members of the Sports Direct senior management team," he said.

"Mr Ashley would frequently end up taking important Sports Direct related business decisions throughout the evening."

Mr Blue said he first met Mr Ashley when working for investment bank Merrill Lynch in 2006.

"Mr Ashley was like no other client that anyone at Merrill Lynch had ever come across," added Mr Blue.

"By way of example, his ability to express boredom and frustration during client meetings knew no limits, including various episodes where he would lie underneath meeting room tables to 'have a nap'."